Manley Highlights State’s Financial Progress and Responsibility With New Credit Upgrade

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois has reached its 10th credit rating upgrade since 2021, and with the 2026 budget set to increase fiscal progress, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, proudly remains committed to fiscal transparency and responsibility.

“Not very long ago, our state was being mismanaged by former Gov. Bruce Rauner. After a devastating 700 days plus without a budget, our state’s credit rating was on the edge of junk status and that meant higher costs for taxpayers. Since 2019, we can see real progress in the state’s financial health, made evident by our climbing credit ratings,” said Manley. “I’m very proud to have been a part of establishing the budget for this fiscal year, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the people of Illinois by supporting responsible budgets in the future.”

Between 2015 and 2017, Illinois saw eight credit rating downgrades; 24 over the course of 15 years. However, the fiscal discipline of the last four years has resulted in significant economic progress. Manley’s strong support for this year’s budget paved the way to Illinois’ 10th upgrade, which now has an A2 rating, according to Moody’s Investors Service. Just this year, Illinois secured a nearly $2.4 billion rainy-day fund, eliminated the bill backlog, and established a fiscally responsive, balanced budget that meets the needs of Illinoisans—including erasing over $1 billion in resident medical debt.

“There is so much economic anxiety in the country under the current federal administration. Our work is far from done, but I am delighted by the progress we have made here in Illinois and I hope our state’s stability will provide some relief to worried taxpayers,” said Manley.